MMI freezing and CarPlay disconnecting in my 2021 S5 Coupe

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:48 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Audi S5 Coupe

Hey everyone,

I'm having some frustrating issues with the MMI system in my 2021 Audi S5 Coupe. It seems like at least once a week, the MMI will completely freeze up. The screen becomes unresponsive, and I can't change radio stations, adjust navigation, or do anything.

On top of that, my Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting randomly. It'll work fine for a while, then just drop out, and sometimes it takes a few tries to get it to reconnect. It's really annoying, especially when I'm relying on navigation.

I've tried restarting the car, but the issues often come back. Has anyone else experienced these kinds of MMI glitches with their B9.5 S5? Any tips or tricks before I take it to the dealer?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

MMI and infotainment glitches, especially with Apple CarPlay, are not uncommon across various modern Audi models, including your 2021 S5 Coupe. Here’s what you can consider:

  1. Soft Reset the MMI: Many MMI issues can be temporarily resolved with a soft reset. For the B9.5 generation, you typically press and hold the volume knob/power button for about 10-15 seconds until the screen goes black and the MMI reboots. This is similar to restarting a computer.
  2. Check Phone/Cable: For CarPlay issues, first rule out your phone and cable. Try a different, high-quality Apple-certified USB cable. Also, ensure your iPhone's iOS is up to date. Sometimes, a simple phone restart can help.
  3. Delete and Re-pair Device: In your MMI settings, delete your phone from the connected devices list for both Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. Then, re-pair it from scratch.
  4. Software Updates: Audi regularly releases software updates for the MMI system. These updates often address bugs, improve stability, and enhance connectivity. Your dealership can check if your MMI has the latest software version.
  5. Check for Other Electrical Issues: While less common for MMI alone, sometimes a low 12V battery or other electrical anomalies can cause intermittent module glitches. No specific OBD codes are typically generated for MMI freezes, but a full diagnostic scan might reveal underlying communication errors.

When to see a shop:

  • Persistent Issues: If the soft reset and re-pairing don't resolve the problem, or if the MMI freezes become more frequent and severe.
  • Hardware Malfunction: If the screen consistently goes blank, buttons stop working, or the system fails to boot up entirely, it could indicate a hardware issue with the MMI control unit. An Audi dealership has the specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint MMI module faults and perform necessary software updates or hardware replacements.